#hero daniel davenport

[texanmarcusdavenport]

So a while ago I posted my vigilante Marcus+Dani designs, today I drew a little more for them:

So basically in this au (called "a house built of living light", or AHBOLL), Marcus survives Bionic Showdown & goes to Megahertz for help w repairs. Long story short, Marcus gets attached and becomes a villain/anti-villain. But they realize they can't stay bc Douglas is still out there & Marcus wants revenge.

But Marcus also realizes they can't go against the Davenports alone, & so hatches up a scheme to hit Douglas where it hurts: turn his youngest child--who doesn't yet know he exists--against him. And you can probably guess how it goes from there...

[nyoaeuikhoudu]

okay pkay hear me out: labrats and mighty med as percy jackson characters? Who would their godly parents be

wonderful suggestion! I wasn't sure if I wanted all the davenports to have the same godly parent, so uhhh i guess douglas really got around.

here's most of the mains and their godly (and non-godly) parent. Except Alan, who was just adopted by Horace after his dad left. and Kaz, who never knew his human parent.

[metis-iphigenia]

my lab rats hyperfixation came back and i've been doing some thinking ever since

so from the start of the show there have been multiple references to comic book heroes especially dc references

(leo saying "my new dad is batman" in the first episode and douglas calling chase "boy wonder", referencing to robin)

well since mighty med ans lab rats take place in the same universe, mighty med characters are also comic book characters and dc is a comic book series, are they in the same universe?

no because imagine superman and tecton in the same room😭😭

or bruce with his "brucie" wayne personality being "friends" with donald davenport(they cant stand eachother)

donald davenport would 100% sell his inventions to lex luthor for a really pricy deal

or chase, bree, adam and leo going to same school with tim, bernard and darla lmao

i think adam would listen and add onto bernards theories(leo would call him delusional but also would be interested)

bernard made a theory about them being bionic but darla shut it down('i told you so' and 'aha i knew it!' were the first things he said when he found out about the truth)

darla would absolutely eat trent up i just know it

young justice and elite force team up with tim and bree/chase seeing eachother and going like the spiderman meme

damian and leo being friends(lethal duo warning!!)

also damian would've believed leo during the whole marcus fiasco

leo would push damian into reading comics and damian would push leo to read mangas(canon information)

talia and horace both know eachother from being in the same field(medical) they are the type of friends who say hi and talk like 4 hours when they run into eachother but then dont talk until the next time

bree would've loved exploring her girlhood with cass, steph, harper and babs(and darla) since she never got to

marcus, taylor, rose and jason would get along very well and love talking shit about their fathers🥰

i think daniel would love duke(they played video games together later on duke let daniel absorb his powers and tried to teach him how to control it exactly)

taylor, damian, leo is a trio i would die to see tbh i think they would get along well

cassandra and skylar teaming up with eachother would be absolutely amazing. i think they would work together so well

I HAVE MORE LATER I LOVE THIS CROSSOVER SM!!

[bananaactivity]

What happens when Kai learns about Marcus being a bionic android? Is it a big reveal, or does Kai shrug it off?

He doesn't learn anytime soon.

Think about FBI agents or like secret service and their families. There is an understanding that they do stuff in that vein but like you don't have all the info.

My version of LRELMM involves a lot more secrecy from the public about the island the bionic students and stuff like that. Adam Bree and Chase are the publics only eye into some of what Davenport industries have going on.

Due to my still WIP Mighty Med AU, Kaz, Oliver, and Skyler's identities are highly secret. No bionic excuse, they have to follow the rules of the super world. They actually get their own team comic made in universe for my hypothetical third MM season before they join the EF. Its called "Frost-Burn" and it ends up being pretty popular. (Oliver is Frost-flare, Kai is Wild-spark or Burn-Out ) That leads to fun stuff with Jordan and Gus noticing things that connect their friends to the comic heroes. And I think its funny if Chase is a Wild-Spark or Burn-Out superfan and is literally shocked when he finds out its Kaz)

Here is a segment of my fic that explains some stuff:

Leo, and Marcus along with Taylor and Logan Krane made up Team Francis pronounced Team Danger for some reason. They had been Mission Creeks B team after the original Daven-kids. But those guys had fucked off to go dick around in Centium City with some characters of who's “identities are highly confidential” a few months back.

This left Team Francis to be the front line and by extension some graduations at the island got pushed up to fill their vacant spot. Spin, Bob and his brother Daniel, made up what Leo referred to as Mission Creeks C team: Team Tots. Leo had been pretty fussy finding out they had to leave the safety of Mission Creek up to the Tots when they left but Marcus was pretty confident in Spin's ability to lead. So off they all went to Seaford…

I think Kai would only be allowed to know all the ins and outs if he and Marcus got married.

Which would not happen unless they both went through immense psychological therapy. They are both so deeply flawed with so much implied trauma there is no way in hell. Like reading my fic even in its draft form you can just feel all the manipulation and lack of emotional vulnerability and sense of healthy boundaries leaking from the both of them. (That's why its called a hate story)

They don't love each other in my fic. They are obsessed and crazy. Just like the originals LMAO.

If Kai found out tho he'd be less interested and more of a bully about it. My interpretation of him is older (21) and " reformed" that just means he blocked off all his violent tendencies behind a wall ,without working through them, that Marcus cracks so hes dealing with a barrage of emotions mentally while keeping a cold and unbothered exterior.

Non-cannon scene:

He'd been thinking about it for a while and he'd finally decided to do it.

“ Hey? Uh…K?”

"What." Kai didn’t even glance up, scrolling through his phone.

"Yeah… I—K, I need to tell you something," Marcus spat out, his voice a little off.

"You’re pregnant? Or are you secretly a wizard?" Kai tossed out, completely nonchalant. "Please tell me you’re a wizard, Davenport. That’d be fuckin’ hilarious."

Marcus sighed "No. I’m a Bionic android. My cousins are Adam, Bree, and Chase. I go on secret missions all the time and that's why I came to Seaford in the first place.” he sped out in one breath.

That made Kai stop scrolling. For a brief moment, his brain didn’t register the words, but then he looked at Marcus, deadpan, still not moving a muscle.

"Wait, what the fuck… Are you shitting me?" Kai raised an eyebrow, staring at him like he'd just said he was allergic to air. "Did you just say you're a robot?"

"An android," Marcus corrected..

Kai snorted. "Whatever, same difference. So, you’re telling me you’re like one of those fancy-ass Roombas but with feelings and… well, you look a hell of a lot better than a Roomba." He gave Marcus a once-over. "You don’t exactly scream ‘I’m a super advanced killing machine.’"

Marcus blinked.

“You’re really not freaking out?” Marcus asked, voice edging on frustration.

Kai shrugged, tossing his phone on the couch beside him.

“Really? I mean.. K?” Marcus crossed his arms, trying to look unimpressed but definitely feeling a little weird inside. “You're not even surprised? No ‘what the hell’ moment? I'm related to the most famous people of modern days?”

Kai looked at him for a long second before his lips curled into a smirk. “I mean, I did wonder why you always avoided using a microwave. Now it makes sense. So, are you, like, a secret government experiment, or did you just get bored one day and decide to live among humans, pretending to be one of us?”

“I'm not pretending, and I don't use the microwave because it's an inferior way of reheating food.” Marcus shot back quickly. “I’m just— Hey! I told you what I'm doing here! And my DAD made me, not the government.”

“Yeah, yeah. Sure, whatever Daven-dork,” Kai interrupted, rolling his eyes. “Alright, so, you’re an android. Cool. Want me to start calling you 'Siri' or 'C-3PO' or should I go full 'Terminator' and start waiting for you to go rogue and destroy the world? Hasta la vista baby, right?"

Marcus was so flustered now, his usual cocky attitude slipping. “That was just a phase… I'm over that no-!”

“Just a phase? Sure buddy, just think about how good of a kisser I am when you decide to usurp the status quo… ” Kai said, cutting him off with a yawn. “Look, I don’t care if you’re some high-tech toaster. Just don’t start malfunctioning while we’re making out and electrocute me alright?”

“Okay?? I guess,” Marcus muttered, glancing away a little embarrassed.

Kai shifted, half-laying across the couch, his feet now casually resting on Marcus’s lap. “ Don’t start short-circuiting or glitching out either Davenport. I don’t need you flipping into ‘robot rage’ and throwing me through a wall or whatever.”

Marcus glared at him. “I’m not going to ‘short-circuit.` And you say that as if you don't throttle me in the Dojo every chance you get.”

"Please," Kai interrupted with a dramatic roll of his eyes. " All those times we’ve sparred… You were holding out while also beating me and you're just now telling me? That’s rich. Anyway, just don’t start malfunctioning, isn't that simple for your computer brain? I’m already dealing with your constant need for affection—I don’t need you literally shorting out my Wi-Fi.”

Marcus opened his mouth, a retort on the tip of his tongue, but instead, all that came out was a frustrated sigh. “You’re impossible.”

“Yeah, but you tolerate me, so deal with it, ‘R2-D2.’” Kai grinned, then, as if the revelation of Marcus being an android wasn’t that big of a deal, he leaned over and playfully ruffled Marcus’s hair. “Also, if you’re a robot, can I get an upgrade? Like, one where you don’t constantly annoy me?”

“Maybe upgrade your lip action too. That shits so ass” he muttered

“I’m not a robot!” Marcus groaned, slapping his hand away. “And I kiss great!”

Kai grinned. "Yeah okay buddy sure. You should be more grateful, Marcus. No one else would put up with your roboass. Just don’t go rogue on me or I’ll have to destroy you. I’m not getting a warranty on you anytime soon.”

Marcus shot him a glare “You’re insufferable.”

“Yeah, well, you’re a bionic android who could probably download a kissing app and you still suck at it. I guess we balance each other out. ”

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🌈 Queer Books Coming Out in June 2024 🌈

🌈 Good morning, my bookish bats, and happy Pride Month!! Struggling to keep up with all the amazing queer books coming out this month? Here are a FEW of the stunning, diverse queer books you can add to your TBR before the year is over. Remember to #readqueerallyear! Happy reading!

[ Release dates may have changed. ]

❤️ The Shadow of Summer - Marlon Yelich 🧡 Of Stardust - (ed) Avrah C. Baren 💛 The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye - Briony Cameron 💚 Triple Sec - T.J. Alexander 💙 Same Difference - E.J. Copperman 💜 The Pull of the Tide - Various ❤️ The Misadventures of Getting Lainey a Date - Eija Jimenez 🧡 Surface Pressure - Adrian J. Smith & Neen Cohen 💛 Mirrored Heavens - Rebecca Roanhorse 💙 The Fire Within Them - Matthew Ward 💜 One and Done - Frederick Smith 🌈 Digging for Destiny - Jenna Jarvis

❤️ She Who Brought the Storm - Vaela Denarr & Micah Iannandrea 🧡 Tristan and Lancelot: A Tale of Two Knights - James Persichetti & L.S. Biehler 💛 London on My Mind - Clara Alves (translated by Nina Perrotta) 💚 The Deep Dark - Molly Knox Ostertag 💙 Furious - Jamie Pacton & Rebecca Podos 💜 Gay the Pray Away - Natalie Naudus ❤️ Such A Small World - Jordan Clayden-Lewis 🧡 Make It Count: My Fight to Become the First Transgender Olympic Runner - CeCé Telfer 💛 Cicada Summer - Erica McKeen 💙 We Used to Live Here - Marcus Kliewer 💜 Dandelion - Merlina Garance 🌈 The Curse of the Goddess - C.C. González

❤️ The Schoolmaster - Jessica Tvordi 🧡 Cigarette Lemonade - Connor de Bruler 💛 Coil of Boughs - Penny Moss 💚 Ballad for Jasmine Town - Molly Ringle 💙 Asking for a Friend - Ronnie Riley 💜 Pleasure Principle - Madeleine Cravens ❤️ Perfect Revenge - Jessica Burkhart 🧡 Lockjaw - Matteo L. Cerilli 💛 Markless - C.G. Malburi 💙 Queer Art - Gemma Rolls-Bentley 💜 Morally Straight - Mike De Socio 🌈 Our Bodies Electric - Zackary Vernon

❤️ Love Is All - Various 🧡 Becoming Ted - Matt Cain 💛 Annie LeBlanc Is Not Dead Yet - Molly Morris 💚 Dear Cisgender People: A Guide to Trans Allyship and Empathy - Kenny Ethan Jones 💙 Pole Position - Rebecca J. Caffery 💜 Something to be Proud Of - Anna Zoe Quirke ❤️ Hot Hires - Nan Campbell, Alaina Erdell, Jesse J. Thoma 🧡 Lord of the Empty Isles - Jules Arbeaux 💛 Kissing Girls on Shabbat - Sara Glass 💙 When You Smile - Melissa Brayden 💜 We Could Be Heroes - Philip Ellis 🌈 But How Are You, Really - Ella Dawson

❤️ A Bluestocking's Guide to Decadence - Jess Everlee 🧡 Take All of Us - Natalie Leif 💛 One Killer Problem - Justine Pucella Winans 💚 Why Are People Into That? - Tina Horn 💙 Free to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity - Jack Turban 💜 Lady Eve's Last Con - Rebecca Fraimow ❤️ Sea of Broken Glass - Jenna Pine 🧡 Rapunzella, Or, Don't Touch My Hair - Ella McLeod 💛 Wolfpitch - Balazs Lorinczi 💙 Looking for a Sign - Susie Dumond 💜 Director's Cut - Carlyn Greenwald 🌈 Wish You Weren't Here - Erin Baldwin

❤️ Act Two - Rochelle Wolf 🧡 Unexploded Remnants - Elaine Gallagher 💛 The Stars Want Blood - Morgan Lawson 💚 Shadows Dark and Deadly - Andrea Marie Johnson 💙 Design of Darkness - R.D. Pires 💜 Two Sides to Every Murder - Danielle Valentine ❤️ Meet Me in the Sky - Jeffrey K. Davenport 🧡 A Shore Thing - Joanna Lowell 💛 The Lions' Den - Iris Mwanza 💙 Under the Dragon Moon - Mawce Hanlin 💜 A Sea of Wolves - Sarah Street 🌈 Saints of Storm and Sorrow - Gabriella Buba

❤️ Private Rites - Julia Armfield 🧡 Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous - Mae Marvel 💛 The Stars Too Fondly - Emily Hamilton 💚 Keeping Carmen Ruiz - Alyson Root 💙 Cuckoo - Gretchen Felker-Martin 💜 Heartwaves - Anita Kelly ❤️ Bound to the Wild Fae - Tavia Lark 🧡 Four Squares - Bobby Finger 💛 The Ghost of Us - James L. Sutter 💙 Poison in Their Hearts - Laura Sebastian 💜 Puppy Love - Elle Sprinkle 🌈 Hot Summer - Elle Everhart

❤️ Liddy-Jean Marketing Queen and the Matchmaking Scheme - Mari SanGiovanni 🧡 All Friends Are Necessary - Tomas Moniz 💛 Six of Sorrow - Amanda Linsmeier 💚 Shanghai Murder - Jessie Chandler 💙 PROUD - Anthology 💜 Little Rot - Akwaeke Emezi ❤️ Fling - Deja Elise 🧡 Too Many Stars to Count - Frances M. Thompson 💛 Rakesfall - Vajra Chandrasekera 💙 The Unrelenting Earth - Kritika H. Rao 💜 Freakslaw - Jane Flett 🌈 Please Stop Trying to Leave Me - Alana Saab

❤️ A Sense of Shifting - Coco Romack, Yael Malka 🧡 Moonstorm - Yoon Ha Lee 💛 Now, Conjurers - Freddie Kölsch 💚 Hide No More - Rita Potter 💙 Running Close to the Wind - Alexandra Rowland 💜 The Afterlife of Mal Caldera - Nadi Reed Perez ❤️ Her, Him & I - Christian Weissmann 🧡 The Sons of El Rey - Alex Espinoza 💛 Show Me Your Teeth - Amy Marsden 💙 Defeating Demons and Breaking Up With My Boyfriend - Dylan James 💜 For Real - Alexis Hall 🌈 The Clarity of Light - Jade Church

[leo-dooley-lab-rats]

On The Edge is Best of Season Four of Lab Rats

I have a few things to say about the On The Edge special. Out of the many specials in season four, it’s by far my favorite as it’s clearly a Leo focused special. I am a Leo fan girl through and through. Leo since the start of the Island stuff has been stuck as a student trying to prove himself worthy of being a mentor. The special brings out all Leo’s pent-up frustrations and allows him to express them.

I find the special to be a really good character study of Leo as well. Part one of the special has the more negative qualities on display(Leo’s recklessness, impatience, ego, arrogance, and even some his trademark sneakiness) while part two puts Leo’s best qualities on display(his fearlessness, his compassion, determination, etc.). The first part has Leo’s worst qualities blow up in his face to only have his best qualities shine threw and save the day.

In terms of season four, each of the many specials focus on one of the main characters. Bionic Action Hero is mainly a Bree special with Chase and Adam centered stuff thrown in. Space Colony is primary an Adam special. Bionic Rebellion is mostly a Chase centered special, if I had say anyone was focused on. The finale/The Vanishing is Douglas/Daniel focused special while serving as the series finale and last hooray for the cast/series. On The Edge is Leo’s focused special.

I think before going further its with pointing out that Disney+ took out some scenes for streaming, but for the purpose of this I will be talking about scenes and episode as it originally aired. I found the transcript of the episode along with OG broadcasted episode. I won’t link with the episode since it’s technically would be a pirated version. I do trust anyone who is interested in the OG version can find it themselves. The transcript is pulled from the Lab Rats Wiki, IMBd, and Quotes.net, but mostly the Wiki.

I want to quickly touch on some of acting in the On The Edge special. Tyrel Jackson Williams(actor who plays Leo) is one of the best actors in the cast of Lab Rats and I think most fans can agree on that. Williams acting in whole special is great. He isn’t often given much dramatic material to work with in Lab Rats since it is a sitcoms, but this special does. I think the On The Edge is some of Williams best in the show. The way he portrays Leo in this episode is just great. Leo is still as funny as ever, but Williams able to give weight Leo’s anger, frustrations, guilt, and joy. You can tell Tyrel put a lot of heart into Leo. Watching Leo on the bridge mission with Taylor and saving Chase are some Tyrel’s most dramatic moments on the show. The rest of the other members of the cast are great, but I think Tyrel brings just something more than usual in terms of acting in the On The Edge special.

The score for On The Edge is solid. There are a few spots where I think score just shines and goes above a normal TV score(I will point where that is when it comes up). Lab Rats score for TV sitcoms is decent and does it job, but I think for the specials, and On The Edge especially, the score is just a step above normal.

The special starts off with Leo is rightly upset that Adam, Bree, and Chase are getting honored with an award and tells his family about it. His family, namely Adam, Bree, and Chase, as usually don’t listen. A big thing with dynamic of Adam, Bree, Chase, and Leo is the trio not taking Leo 100% seriously ever. The bionic trio didn’t believe Leo about Marcus, didn’t think bringing Douglas to help fix Bree’s chip was a good idea, and didn’t think Leo had a leg to stand on for his argument that he should be a mentor. Even Donald Davenport doesn’t take Leo 100% seriously. Leo not getting the award along side his family is just another thing in a long line of things that Leo isn’t believed or taken serious on.

“I worked so hard to prove myself but it doesn't matter. They're always gonna see me as their little barely bionic brother.”

As the special goes on, we see Leo air his complicate to both his new team and to his family. It’s paints a picture that Leo has been feeling undervalued for a long time.

Leo appears to appreciate all the positive feedback that he starts to get from Taylor and Logan(members of Leo’s team) and some of that is Leo’s ego. Even Logan’s hero worship of Leo means a lot to Leo. I can’t help but think a lot of it is also Leo getting some validation he hasn’t been getting anywhere else. It’s pretty clear that Taylor and Logan’s support throughout the special mean a lot to Leo. Leo does get a little arrogant as their leader by exaggerating his own successes/abilities.

“Talk about an underdog. He was just a regular guy. And all of a sudden he got bionics and became an inspiration to the whole world.”

Taylor and Logan(Logan especially) are there from story structure standpoint to help Leo have someone to listen and actual hear what he saying. Taylor and Logan listen to what Leo is saying and take him seriously as a leader while his siblings(mostly Chase) don’t.

There is unique to view Logan, Taylor, and Leo as a parallel of sorts to Adam, Bree, and Chase. Leo is Chase aka the leader of group. Logan is Adam aka the dumb but loyal protector. Bree is Taylor aka balancer/mediator of the team who sometimes acts in a leader role. Taylor is a bit of stretch, but I think it’s interesting way to look at Leo’s team.

“I am MORE than ready, and maybe I wouldn't feel like I need to prove that to you guys if you weren't looking down on me.”

A line from Leo “if you guys weren’t always looking down on me,” really stands out as to how Leo feels. He doesn’t feel like an equal in his own family. He was made a student upon arriving, not mentor like literally everyone else in his family(minus Tasha and possibly Douglas). There’s also the fact Leo wasn’t bionic for the most of the show and only recently got a bionic arm and later bionic leg. It’s not hard to see why Leo feels like he is not an equal in his own family. There isn’t much to suggest otherwise.

“Is that why you're always bragging about how you're not one of us? I think you're just pretending to be a student so you can spy on us for the enemy.”

When you watch back earlier episodes in the Island storyline, you start to notice that Leo harks on the fact he is family to the mentors and goes on missions. Leo even throw a tantrum when he was “assigned to live in the student dorm”(episode: Bionic Rebellion). Seriously, the Bionic Rebellion special has Leo spend a lot of time ranting the student about all this. I think Leo is trying to point out and cling on to all the ways he is different from the other student.

Sometime that really speaks volumes to how sort of clueless Davenports are to how Leo is feeling is that when says he feels like “always looking down on” him. Bree replies “we don't look down on you”. I find that pretty telling that his family doesn’t realize how Leo is feeling.

We going to take quick look at interaction between Leo and his team that I think highlights how Leo is feeling. The scene comes after Taylor and Leo show Chase their new combined EMP ability and Chase tells Leo and Taylor not to use the ability. The scene starts with Leo being frustrated that despite working hard to proving himself it doesn’t change how his family sees him as the “little brother whose barely bionic”. Leo takes Chase not trust Taylor and Leo to their new EMP as a sign of how his family sees him. Leo even states in the scene “I'm so sick of them not treating me seriously. It's time to prove I'm as much a bionic hero as they are”.

“I hate this. I've worked so hard to prove myself but it doesn't matter. They're always going to see me as their little brother whose barely bionic.”

Taylor and Logan actually try to comfort Leo about how he is feeling. Taylor even tells Leo that her and Logan they’ve got Leo’s back. For Leo, these appear to be the only two people that believe in him and his abilities right now.

When Leo tries to convince Chase to let Taylor and him use the ability, Chase doesn’t let them have a word in. Leo give a good reason that if this ability was when they were fighting Krane then the Triton app could be taken out much easier. Chase tells Leo that “doesn’t matter” and that ability “is dangerous”. In the long run, Chase is half right that ability was dangerous. The problem here is that Chase wasn’t willing to hear Leo out and due that the EMP ability became dangerous(because Leo was trying to prove himself to his family/Chase). When the ability was used again in part two, it wasn’t dangerous. The ability wasn’t dangerous the first times the ability was used by. It was only dangerous when Leo was trying to prove something.

You could make the argument that EMP ability is what symbolic of Leo’s journey. The ability is found by accident like how Leo often causes accidents and found the the Lab by accident. The ability wasn’t dangerous until Leo’s recklessness and need to prove himself took him. This often happens when Leo was trying to impress Jenelle or even other social situations. The ability becomes safe again when Leo is not trying to impress or prove anything rather he just trying to help.

Leo drive and need to prove himself leads to Leo seriously injuring Taylor. The injuring of Taylor is classic recklessness of Leo with a hint of ego/arrogance. Leo thought they could handle it while also rushing into using this new EMP ability without knowing much about it.

“Back off! This is my team!”

When looking at the scene where Taylor actually gets hurt it is the build of a lot Leo trying to prove himself once again, but feeling like his family is once again telling him he’s not good enough. The scene starts off with Leo and Taylor doing well training to use the ability. The problem starts with Leo and Taylor add more power to EMP because Leo wants to show-off a little. In the show that’s often where Leo’s problems start, when he is trying to show off to Jenelle or someone else. Chase and Bree telling Leo to stop using the ability doesn’t help. Leo is stubborn and I think he is done listening to them. He wants to show them he is worth taking seriously.

The score in the scene is just great. I love how sound effects and music mix together. The score helps sell the intensity of the interaction. I don’t have much else to say other than score is just great in these scene.

“Oh, please, you're just jealous that your team isn't as powerful as mine.”

Tyrel Jackson Williams acting in the scene is just amazing. The way Tyrel delivers the anger, hurt, and determination in some of lines is amazing. When Leo claims Chase is jealous the playful tone that underlined with angry and hurt is amazing. After Taylor is hurt, the way Tyrel acts is amazing. The guilt and shock is written all over the acting/character. It is just amazing how well Tyrel gets the emotions in the scene.

“I can't believe it. She's never gonna see again. It's all because of me.”

The next couple scenes after training mishap with EMP ability have Leo thinking everything will be fine and Taylor will be okay. Leo has had bad injuries and he just got bionics. It’s makes sense for Leo to think this way. It’s also very innocent way of thinking.

It isn’t until the news that Taylor is now blind thanks to Leo’s leadership that things change. Lab Rats doesn’t always have lasting consequences like this. Leo got his arm and leg crushed but he was fine since he got a bionic upgrades/replacements(not completely sure how that worked). Villains dies off screen or in the case of Marcus is technically a robot so the death can be shown. Taylor getting blinded is just brutal and sets up next part perfectly(we will get into soon). It’s honestly one of the worst and most lasting thing to happen on the show.

Side note: not completely related, but interesting to point out(I’m not the only who has noticed this). Taylor, formerly S-1, was the reason Leo’s arm was destroyed and now here Leo takes Taylor’s sight. Don’t know if was intentional, but interesting parallel.

Leo rightly feels a lot of guilt over what happened to Taylor and decides to leave the island. I know some people don’t like this scene. I find that it’s very in character character for Leo. Leo tends to put the protection of those he loves first and does whatever he can to protect them. I think in his mind by leaving he was protecting everyone. It is debatable if Leo made the right call here or not, but it was his decision to make at the end of the day.

“Taylor has to live with my mistake for the rest of her life.”

I want to actually take a moment to actual break down the whole scene where Leo leaves the island. It’s very powerful scene and sets the stage for the second part of the special. It’s very impressive that whole scene is carried by acting alone, there no music until the Leo starts to board the hytroloop.

Disclaimer: the photo edit above was created by me.

The conversion in the scene is mostly between Leo, Chase, and Donald Davenport. The special as whole does have Adam, Bree, and Douglas as features rather than a main focus. Adam and Douglas in the first part mostly work on making limo indestructible. Bree tends to be paired with Chase or Adam in scenes to help add to conversion, but her character isn’t really a focus in this special. Even Donald’s role in the overall story is small. In this scene and other dramatic scenes, Donald acts in his mentor/father role in the show. The special is mostly about Leo and his problems, but it’s feature Chase quite a bit. Chase arguably is the one Leo is most close to out of the trio. The special takes their stable relationship and breaks it down. Leo and Chase bud heads as Leo wants to step and be a leader. Chase doesn’t want to let go of being a leader and he doesn’t see Leo as anything more than his little brother. The whole point I am making is the scene here is the climax of the first part and it chooses to focus on these characters.

I think Chase’s line of “I never meant for you to leave” says a lot of what was going on. This clashing of heads between Leo and bionic trio on the surface didn’t seem like anything new to trio. If you look at Leo’s point of view this clash was culmination of everything since they got to the island. From the trio’s point of view it was just another disagreement to solved and fixed in a couple days. I don’t think Adam, Bree, or Chase actually thought Leo was this upset about Taylor or his place at the Academy until then.

Headcanon: I also like to think that trio never can imagine Leo up and leaving. Leo has never really left their side from extended period since the day they meant as the show explains. Leo is also the one who showed them the real world and was the first real friend outside the lab. He is an important figure in their life.

There is very interesting idea presented in the scene about mistakes and leadership. Donald Davenport states “part of being a leader is making mistakes. You learn from them, and you move on”. It’s actual a good piece of advice for life, not just leadership. Donald even points out Chase’s mistakes throughout the show as an example. Something I really like and is just a such a Leo thing to do, Leo makes a clear distinction between Chase’s mistakes and his own. That distinction is that Chase mistakes “never hurt anyone” while his mistake with Taylor is permit and hurt her.

In the scene Leo has clearly made up his mind and thought through everything he wants to say. Everyone else is a sort of shocked state trying to get Leo to stay, but he isn’t having any of it. Leo as a character is very stubborn so scene really showcases that. Leo has clearly also dealing with a LOT guilt and likely PTSD from what happened with Taylor.

“I'm going back to Mission Creek. I don't belong here anymore. I'm quitting the academy.”

I find Leo’s final words and his words beginning of the of scene to provide a bit of insight into Leo’s headspace. Let’s start with “I don’t belong here anymore”. Leo throughout the special has shown he feels like he not an equal with his family while the island stuff has shown Leo positions himself as not just a student(see above arguments). Leo never really belonged anywhere on the fully.

Leo made his own team in the special and I think that was the first time Leo felt he belonged on the island. Leo didn’t have student friends like Bob or Spin. He came to the understanding and respect of Spin. I think Leo puts up with Bob for Adam’s sake. The other students we don’t really see Leo interact with until this special. Leo clearly enjoys and loves spending time with Taylor and Logan. There is Douglas, Donald, and his siblings, but the Davenbros(Donald and Douglas) aren’t always around and the trio is likely busy with classes and stuff. Again, I want to point that Leo is student while his siblings are mentors. Even Leo’s stepdad is a mentor. It can create feelings of not fully belonging. I do want to point out that Tasha, Leo’s mother, isn’t around and I think everyone in the fandom can agree that if Tasha was around on the island then Leo would have had better emotional support.

“Give it[his mission suit] to someone more deserving… it's not your choice. It's mine. Bye, guys. Sorry I let you down.”

I see Leo giving back his mission suit as something very symbolic. In comics, a mission suit/super suit, the costume/suit is often seen something you have worthy to wear and something that is apart the hero’s journey/mission. Think back to Superman getting his suit in basically any origin show/movie/comic/story when he gets the suit it’s the moment where is ready or worthy to start saving the world. When Leo got his suit in the show it was the moment he was finally worthy and ready to join the team on missions. When Leo says “give it some deserving” it’s his guilt saying he is no longer worthy of the suit, going on missions, or being a hero because of he did to Taylor.

Leo goes further later on with this deserving idea with Logan telling him that deserves “better team. Or at least a better leader”. Leo’s guilt is speaking here and sees himself unworthy to a leader. This conversion also ties into the idea presented by Leo earlier when he made the distinction between Chase’s and his mistakes as leaders. Leo is pointing out that Chase is the better and more deserving leader in a way by stating this. Leo even earlier stated he wasn’t “cut out to be a leader”.

One last thing to touch on in this scene in the framing. Look at Leo in relation to everyone else(see image). Throughout the scene, Leo is apart from everyone else. It’s a good way to show just alone Leo must feel. Also, interesting choice to have Leo in red shirt in the scene which is the same as mission outfit(not sure if it has a meaning or not. Just thought it was interesting to point out). Leo being out of his student uniform and standing from the everyone else could also tie into Leo’s line of how he does not “belong here anymore”

Quickly before getting to part two of the special, a few notes on Leo’s worst qualities displayed during part one(I mentioned earlier this and wanted to make I touched on, but couldn’t find place anywhere else). The way Leo gets his team is rather sneaky. Leo knows Donald Davenport isn’t paying attention, so he asks then to ensure he gets what he wants. Leo is quick to inflated ego when Taylor or Logan even slightly build up. He is also somewhat reckless later on with EMP ability. There is a LOT of arrogance in the way Leo behaves in the way he believes that Taylor and him can just control EMP ability and his own leadership skills(not all unfounded though as Leo has many moments of leadership throughout the show).

Moving onto part two of the special, the episode cuts to two weeks later to check in on the character. The first couple scenes during part two of the special shows how Adam, Bree, and Chase come to realize how they were being unfair to Leo due to his departure. I do believe that Leo had to leave the island the island for Adam, Bree, and Chase to realize that how they really treating Leo and how Leo deserved to be treated better.

Side Note: I appreciate how the first couple scenes of the second part deal with the aftermath of Taylor being blinded and Leo leaving. I think a lot of fans watching On The Edge for the first time(didn’t watch the trailer or watched the show on a binge/blind) were surprised/shocked that Leo left at the end of part one. I think that episode taking time to show the characters dealing the emotions and aftermath of part one is a smart move that helps the audience process the information too and helps up some of future events in the special.

The first scene of the episode is a phone call between the bionic trio and Leo. The phone call between the the trio and Leo is just great to show the new status quo that has established on the island during time-skip of two weeks. Leo is still set on not coming back to the island or the team despite the bionic trio trying to convince Leo to come back during the call. I’ve always read this scene as this is not the first time the trio have tried to convince Leo to come back(feel free to read another way). That does run into headcanon territory, but I don’t think it’s that big of a leap to think that the trio on more than occasion tried to get their brother to return to the island.

Note: Tasha is mentioned at least twice in the phone call, but she never appears in the special. I wish she actually did appear since this is the big Leo focused special since Tasha is Leo’s mother and biggest supporter.

Something I find really interesting in the phone conversion is that Chase asks Leo, “when are you coming back?” Chase didn’t ask if he was coming rather when. It’s an interesting choice of words and says a lot about Chase’s line of thinking. I think another interesting comment comes from Bree stating “it's really weird not having you here, Leo”. I said this earlier, but this is longest time the characters have been split up since the the start of the show. Humans are creatures of habit so, it really must be strange to not have Leo around. Leo has been there despite the other changes in their lives(ex: moving to the island, new lab, etc), so it is just strange and new reality for the whole family.

“I feel bad. We should've given him more credit.”

After the call, the trio discuss Leo and the ceremony. I find the way the trio, mostly Bree and Chase, discuss Leo interesting. It’s clear they all feel guilty and realizes that Leo deserved more credit and be at the award ceremony. Bree talks her feelings and how had more credit. Bree got the heart of the issues fairly quickly(I think Bree is pretty good overall when called for at getting to heart of emotional problems). Then Chase jumps in states that Leo deserves the award as much as the rest of the team. I think it was good choice to give Chase this line. Chase at the start of the episode was the one(beside Donald Davenport) most against Leo getting the award with the rest of the team. Chase used the numbers/data to justify the decision rather than the actual merits Leo possesses that would make worthy of the award. Adam jumps in with the joke of cardboard Leo. I wish do we had a line or two more on the emotions in scene before cardboard Leo.

“He deserves to be up there with us at the award ceremony tomorrow.”

I actually think cardboard Leo has a bit more depth than most give it credit for. First off, I think Adam misses having Leo around and the cardboard cut out is a way to have Leo around(sort of). The audience is introduced to the cardboard cut after Chase says Leo deserves to be at the award ceremony, with Adam saying “that's why he's[Leo] gonna be”. I think Adam is trying to do a nice thing here by trying to bring Leo to the ceremony any way he can. Adam even puts the cardboard Leo in a tux and brings into the limo all so he take it into the ceremony. That’s a lot of effort for a piece of cardboard.

“When real Leo watches from home, I want him to feel like he's still an important part of our team.”

There is another side of cardboard Leo that is sort creepy. It is just a piece of cardboard, not the real person of Leo Dooley. It’s also clear that Bree and Chase don’t approve of cardboard Leo whatsoever and don’t want Adam to bring it to the ceremony. Still, everyone in the family lets Adam bring the cardboard cutout in the limo anyways.

“Have you lost your mind? This is not our brother, it's a piece of cardboard.”

The next scene deals with how Taylor is doing with her newfound blindness. Taylor is doing fairly well as she up and about and is good spirits. Taylor even asks if anyone has gotten Leo to come back to island. I actually like that she asks this since it show that Taylor doesn’t hold any grudges against Leo for playing a part in blinding her.

Note: Logan is also in the scene that is checking up on how Taylor since her accident. I really appreciate Logan being in the scene since it shows that Leo isn’t the connective tissue for Taylor and Logan being/staying friends.

I appreciate that the episode doesn’t shy away from the fact that Taylor is now blind, but doesn’t treat that disability as if it is end of the world. There is concept called ableism that basically means bias/prejudice/discrimination against people with disabilities hinging on the idea that people with disabilities are less valuable and have lesser quality of life than nondisabled people (further reading on the subject of ableism). I appreciate that the episode is firmly anti-ableism. Taylor’s quality of life isn’t lessen and she was still valuable to missions/the team. It’s just refreshing to have a piece of media that’s not ableist.

“Have any of you guys spoken to Leo? I was hoping someone convinced him to come back to the academy by now.”

I’d argue Taylor is the one who had to learn that she is still of value to the team. She was the one who thought she couldn’t go on missions anymore thinking . Leo told her that she’d “just be in the way”(episode: On The Edge). Leo counters this convincing Taylor she won’t be in the way telling her she still has a lot to offer and he needs her help. I’ll talk about this conversation between Leo and Taylor later, but I do appreciate it.

On last thing on Taylor being anti-ableism is Taylor on the bridge mission hears a snapping cable on bridge before Leo and Logan and she pushes them both out of the way saving all of their lives. Taylor explains that her senses have increased/improved since she lost her sight which is true to life. People who lose one of their five senses then the other four tend to improve(this fact is sort basis of Daredevil). I like that Taylor has this big moment that shows/proves that Leo is right, Taylor is NOT in the way. I also like that during the bridge mission Taylor is still willing to use the EMP ability despite being the thing that blinded her.

It is rare in media today to have disabled characters not be written with ableist, so I appreciate how Taylor isn’t an ableist character. It’s refreshing and nice to see.

I haven’t said much about indestructible self-driving limo that Douglas, Adam, and Donald Davenport were working on during the first part since it didn’t feel important until now. Adam and Douglas making the limo indestructible was just a fun side-story/b-plot of the first part, but I love how limo comes back in part two as major part of the plot. I know that’s basic writing, but I do appreciate it.

On a plot level, the limo being as high-tech with all the upgrades given to it in part one is the reason why the limo gets stuck on the bridge collapsing in the first place and traps the Davenports(Douglas, Donald, Adam, Bree, and Chase) inside. Since the limo goes into lockdown when an emergency is detected and the tech that makes impossible to get in the limo also makes it impossible to get out.

“I know you quit the team, but your family needs you.”

Before getting to big bridge rescue let’s go over the phone call between Taylor and Leo. I love the fact that Taylor first idea when she sees the mentors are in trouble are to call Leo for help. It shows that she still sees Leo as her leader. Also, a little ironic considering she was S-1 during the Krane thing and seemed to be one of leading solders there.

The phone call starts with Leo asking how Taylor doing which Taylor quickly shuts down. Taylor gets straight to the points stating “there's been a horrible accident with your family's limo”(episode: On The Edge). I like how Leo doesn’t try to say he is retired or doesn’t do mission anymore, he just asks “what? Where” (episode: On The Edge). That reply is just so in character for Leo. Leo doesn’t hesitate to help those he cares about. Examples being Leo going on the particle accelerator mission to save Adam, Bree, and Chase, running head first to Marcus and Dougls’ lair to save Donald and the trio, or bring Douglas to lab to fix Bree’s chip despite Donald not wanting Douglas there.

“Look, you're not gonna be in the way. You've still got a lot to offer, and I need your help”

I really like that Leo assumes that BOTH Taylor and Logan are going on the mission. He doesn’t think that any of Taylor being blind now. This line of thinking leads to a great conversation between Taylor and Leo. Leo in season four has been the character giving pep talks and talking down the bad guy. The conversation between Taylor and Leo here follows that compassion trend for Leo in season four and I want to break down the scene.

When Taylor tells Leo she’s not going, Leo simply asks her for a reason. Taylor thinks/answers that her disability/blindness is the reason she can’t go on the mission because she will just be in the way. Leo in early seasons(especially one and two) was clumsy and tended to make a big mess out things. He even created a lot of his own problems/the problems of the episode. As the series went on, Leo became more competent, less clumsy, and he didn’t make as many problems. Leo even worked his way from a kid wanting to go on missions, be on the team, and have bionic to mission specialist to member of the team with bionics. Leo had setback and missteps, which included going on missions before he was ready. That’s what makes Leo the best person to talk to Taylor here. Leo understand better than anyone that messing up/making mistakes is going to happen, but that doesn’t means to give up.

“Well, the only difference is, I was awesome and you're stuck in mud. Look, I get it. But just like Big D said, focus on your training. Trust me, you'll get there.”

I love that Leo draws on his own experience and asks Taylor “do you have any idea how times I've been in the way on a mission?” It is a sign of growth. Leo isn’t always the most humble person. He does have ego and arrogance, but when it counts Leo is willing to put both of these aside to help someone else. I actually think this is the first time Leo doesn’t try to add a level of ego/arrogance to the statement about his own experiences. For example, looking back at Leo’s pep talk to Spin when he was upset about not being ready for missions Leo starts with level arrogance saying he was awesome to able to go on missions when he was fourteen. Still, Leo does relate, tries to comfort, and give advice to Spin.

“Don't worry. We're gonna make it though this together. All three of us.”

Taylor is not completely convinced by Leo telling her she’s not going to be in way and he needs her help. I like that it takes one last little push from Leo saying it’s all three of them(Leo, Taylor, and Logan) in the mission today that gets Taylor to come. Leo and Logan are from my reading are closest friends at the academy(feel free to disagree with me on that).

“Get them[civilians] off the bridge and set up the triage area. Where's the limo?”

Let’s start looking at the bridge mission which is Leo’s big hero/leadership moment. There is one quick, easy to miss line/moment, at the start of bridge mission scene where Leo gives orders to student(who go mostly unseen since we only see like two or three students and civilians on the bridge) to get the civilians off the bridge. Later on, the special mentions Leo leading the mission so, it’s nice to know that special actually shows it rather than only saying it.

The next few pieces of dialog have Doanld Davenport tell Leo and his team to disable the limo’s computer to turn off car’s lockdown and release the locks. Leo immediately comes up with plan after hearing this information. Leo’s plan is using Leo and Taylor EMP ability with Logan using one of his abilities to guide the EMP to limo’s computer.

Leo’s plan is smart and will get the job done. The problem is that when Leo and the rest of team try to enact this plan, Leo has a flashback to blinding Taylor(see note below on Leo and PTSD). I say a flashback because, the editing uses the footage from when Taylor was hurt. Basically when Leo and Taylor try to use the ability, the camera intensely focuses on Leo, then intensely focused on Taylor. Then camera goes back to Leo. This intense focus on Taylor is mean to be from Leo’s perspective aka Leo looking at Taylor. As the camera intensely focused on Leo, there is a cut to footage from part one from when Taylor was hurt the last Leo and Taylor used their EMP ability. The way this part is edited, it makes the viewer think that the next cut from second shot of Leo will back Taylor in the present. It’s very clever and well-done editing.

Note on Leo having PTSD Headcanon: this flashback scene and the how traumatic of an event blinding Taylor leads a lot fans(myself included) to believe Leo has PTSD from the event. It is important to remember that flashbacks to the traumatic event are a sign of PTSD. I don’t have much to say on this. The writers don’t go into much depth on PTSD or if Leo has it or not. It hasn’t even been confirmed, as far as I know, by the writers/creators on social media or on interviews if Leo has PTSD. The writing and acting supports the ideas that Leo has PTSD. It is still mostly just a headcanon, but I think most fans can agree Leo does have PTSD from that the event of blinding Taylor.

Leo due to this guilt and likely PTSD(see above), can’t go through with using the EMP again. He doesn’t want to hurt Taylor or anyone again. That’s the core of why Leo left the island and being a hero in the first place. He didn’t want to hurt anyone else.

The score in this moment is amazing! I love the way the music has sort uneasy building tension sound(sort of like a train moving down the line) before Leo and Taylor attempt to EMP ability. Once they start, the music takes uneasy dip. The sound effects for ablilies, like lighting sort of sound is mixed in the score(really clever). The music keeps building and building, then it stops. Everything is silent. Leo has pulled back. I think reason why there is uneasy feeling with score in this section is possibly the music used a minor key (don’t quote me on that). The music/score adds a lot to internal conflict going on inside Leo head.

“I can't do this. What if I hurt you again? What if I hurt them[Adam, Bree, Chase, Donald, and Douglas]? I don't wanna ruin anyone else's life.”

I’ve mentioned this easier, but this is one of Tyrel Jackson Williams best acted episode. The way Williams acts this during this interaction is just amazing. You can see the all the uncertainty and anxiety that quickly became guilt and fear after the flashback. The way Leo, not only take his hand away, but pulls his body away says a lot. Leo’s line delivery after pulling back is just amazing. The way he sounds so defeated is so unlike Leo(normally one of the determined characters in the show) but considering everything Leo has been through in the special it’s in character when he says it now. Plus, the way Leo’s voice cracks when he says “what I hurt them”(‘them’ refers to his family in limo) is nice added layer to Tyrel’s deliver.

The acting on Tyrel’s part even shows the conflict of wanting to help his family, but feeling like he all he’s going to do his hurt someone again. Even Leo’s character and writing support this. Every time I rewatch this scene or the special, I wish that Tyrel did more acting after Lab Rats ended. He has real talent for it.

“Leo, you didn't ruin my life. It was an accident. And if I'm not gonna let it stop me from being a bionic hero, why should you? This is it, Leo. This is your chance to prove you're the leader I know you are. So...are you in?”

After Leo’s speech about not wanting hurt anyone, it’s Taylor’s turn to give Leo a pep talk. There is a real beautiful in what Taylor is telling Leo and it’s a nice role reversal. I like how Leo has someone who believes in him(minus Tasha and Logan). You can tell throughout the special, especially here, that Taylor and Leo have come a long way since when they first met and formed a close friendship.

There’s a really great moment of editing where after Taylor asks “if I'm not gonna let it[her blindness] stop me from being a bionic hero, why should you,” then there’s nat/natural rumble sound effect and cut to the limo. I don’t think that edit is to suggest that Leo’s family stopping Leo rather it’s meant to remind Leo/audience what he has to fight for. The look Leo has when looking at limo reads of confusion, worry, and doubt. Leo realizes he could lose his family if messes up and possible hurt Taylor again. It’s all over his face.

The way Leo during the last little half the speech where starts to understand how much Taylor actual believes in him is nice to see. The way Leo’s face start changing from confused, guilty, and worry to determined is great. There is even still a little doubt/worry about hurting Taylor in eyes, but you can tell Leo is truly ready to be back out in the field again. I really like how before Leo says he’s in, he take a quick look at his family. The acting is just so great here.

The next part in scene has Taylor hear a cable snap and pushing everyone out of the way. Another great moment of acting as Taylor explains how she hurt it before everyone else, Leo just gets look of understanding. He is speechless. I think he understood what Taylor meant when she told him “you didn’t ruin my life”.

The next part of bridge scene I want to cover is the Leo and Taylor using the EMP. After Leo and his team get back up after the snapped cable thing, we see Leo acting fully as a leader. He is giving Taylor and Logan orders based off his plan. This time when Leo and Taylor use EMP ability the frame and shot from earlier(when Leo pulled back) are basically the same with more triumphant and heroic sounding music. Leo looks less fearful and has that determination look in his in face. Leo even seems to have some confidence in himself back. There is an air of worry, but Leo is back in action. The way the acting and music are done here is just fanatic.

“Trust me. We got this”

That moment when Leo’s plan work, it feels like real victory. The music support this as well with the music reaching its climax when the doors unlock(which was Leo’s end goal with using EMP).

“I'll get Chase. You guys get everyone else out of here.”

The big part I want talk about is Leo’s rescue of Chase. I know Chase ends up being the damsel in distress(for lack of term) a lot during Lab Rats, but I think it works here. Leo and Chase during part one of special had a big falling out. By having Leo needing personally save Chase as a way mending fences.

I will never gets over how well done the acting, music, and editing is. The way Leo looks so determined and desperate to save his brother. Chase trying to Leo to leave to save himself. Leo unwillingness to just let Chase die. The scene is melodrama and over-dramatics. The scene doesn’t need to have so many shots focusing on Leo’s and Chase’s face and hands, but I think the scene is better for it. You can tell how much these two have gone through the past couple of weeks, all the unsaids, but right now they are focused on trying to save each other. Its desperate and intense scene and, its beautiful.

I see find the two hand reaching out for reach other to some what symbolic of Leo and Chase journey of the special of reaching an understanding/respect. Leo and Chase did have a failing out and here finally appeared to mend that rift. I don’t have much to back this up other than my reading.

Personal story: I remember watching this live back when it first aired and this scene had my heart pounding. The sigh of relief I had when Chase was safe is hard to describe.

After saving Chase gives Leo an apology that was a long time coming. I love that Chase finally admit he should have never doubted Leo. It’s nice to see Chase finally seeing Leo as hero properly and Leo getting to see that Chase sees him that way.

“Leo, you did it. You saved my life. Sorry I ever doubted you.”

What I always loved about what happened next is Leo didn’t really reply to Chase’s apology. He just says “I’m just glad you’re okay”. The relief and joy in Leo’s voice and face says it all. It’s such a simple and lovely reply.

“I'm just glad you're okay.”

There is still a lot both Chase and Leo would probable say to each other about what happened, but I love that in that moment they are just happy that they are both okay. It’s just a beautiful moment. I never get sick of watching it even if it only four lines of dialog. It’s says a lot in very little.

The final parts of the special deal with Leo finally getting the credit he deserves serving as epilogue of sorts for the special. The first scene takes the audience to the award ceremony and we see Adam, Bree, and Chase. It takes a few minutes, but Leo is revealed to standing next to them receive the award along side them.

Note: I forgot to mention the award(sorry).

I think some of the words president uses describes Leo extremely well. The words go as follows the “real way to measure a true hero is by their determination to never give up”. It’s perfect way to describe Leo’s character in the show and in the special. It’s clever that after President says these words, the camera reveals Leo is receiving the award as well.

“Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but the real way to measure a true hero is by their determination to never give up.”

The next scene has Leo finally become a mentor at the academy. When Leo walks out as mentor, it feels like an end to journey. I have come to respect the decision to make Leo a student due to special. It would have been nice to see Leo be a mentor the whole time, but I don’t think it would be as good as season without it. Leo has always been the protagonist of Lab Rats. It’s his story and journey that the show follows. I think by having Leo as a student it allowed the writers to more easily follow the student while also giving Leo something to work for.

Leo always wanted be bionic hero and go on missions. Once the island stuff started, Leo wanted to be mentor. I think the deeper reason for this was that Leo wanted to like his siblings, respected by them, or at least fully apart of their world. The special has Leo finally gain the full respect of his family and the students on the island. The special is final piece in Leo’s four season long journey of becoming a hero. Leo has finally has everything he has ever wanted.

“Not only is Leo back at the island, but because of his bravery and leadership on the bridge mission, I have officially made him a mentor.”

The next couple interactions in the scene of Leo become a mentor just wrap things up. We have Chase telling Leo he’s proud of him and they hug. After seeing Leo and Chase at odds in part one, it is so nice to see them actually liking each other again. At the end of special Chase is the one to hoist Leo on his shoulders and start the whole academy chanting Leo’s name. The final scene here shows how much the who have mended their rift and are truly brother again.

“I didn't think I'd ever go on a mission again, Leo. But you changed all that.”

The next interaction is between Taylor and Leo both thanking each other for helping each each. Taylor thanks for Leo helps getting back out on the field and Leo thanking Taylor for believing him. Leo and Taylor also hug with Logan joining said hug. It’s a great interaction that shows that how deep Leo and Taylor’s friendship is.

“I'm the one who should be thanking you. You showed me I really am a leader.”

The last little moment I want touch on is that Douglas is crying during all of this. I love this. Douglas is the one who originally started training Leo and Leo and Douglas appear to have a strong friendship. It’s small, but sweet interaction.

On The Edge does work in many ways as the finale to Lab Rats. Leo is more or less the protagonist of the show. Leo’s journey is so well wrapped up by the end of these special that in the finale Leo doesn’t have much to do(he has stuff to do, but it’s very minor) I have a lot problems and issues with finale and Elite Force, but I do still love Lab Rats.

I find more and more I come back to the On The Edge special and appreciate all it’s done for Leo. I find the special does a great job handling the characters it focuses on and is honestly the most character focused piece in Lab Rats. Leo is allowed to tell other characters how is feeling. There is a lot time spent with the characters and what they are going through. I honestly love a good character drama(seriously, there is a real why the Titans are my favorite team).

I know there are fan that take issue with On The Edge and some of stuff that happens in it along with Island stuff, but I’ve come to really appreciate it over the years. The special has a job of finishing Leo’s character arch for island and the show in general which it handles incredibly well. There are things to be improved on like more stuff with Adam or Bree or having Tasha in the special. Overall, the special is well acted, well edited, and just has great writing. The special most of keeps in mind it’s main focus of Leo and his journey.

Question: what y’all thoughts on anything I’ve discussed here?

[problematic-faves-appreciation]

It's time for another list: Books whose romance male leads...

• Didn't grovel/atone enough (or at all; not even the bare minimum).

• Wronged their lovers too badly. E.g., mistreated her for 20 years.

• Had shoddy redemption arcs.

• Were just too annoying.

• Quite monstrous (hi, Christopher Davenport).

• Were forgiven by their lovers too easily.

• The wronged heroine apologized instead. :/

The MMCs here will give you a deeper appreciation for non-romance novel redemption arcs. For instance, are you not a fan of Catra's redemption arc? Well, I bet you'll never complain about it again after reading these books.

The Worst Romance Heroes Ever List

1️⃣ Kiss From A Rose by Maya Alden

2️⃣ An Independent Wife by Linda Howard

3️⃣ This Heart of Mine by Brenda Novak

4️⃣ After Forever and Saving Forever by Jasinda Wilder

5️⃣ The Texas Ranger by Diana Palmer

6️⃣ Lightning by Danielle Steel

7️⃣ The Land Where Sinners Atone by V.F. Mason

8️⃣ Smokey by Sam Crescent

9️⃣ You Can Have Manhattan by P. Dangelico (I'll never get over the shitty cabin.)

🔟 The Girl in Seat 24B by Jennifer Peel

The Top 10 Most INFURIATING 💢 Ones ⬆️

☣️ Life Without You by S.P. West

☣️ Unbreak My Heart by Nicole Jacquelyn

☣ Forever Again by Shannon Stacey

☣️ The Woman He Married by Julie N. Ford

☣️ At the Spaniard's Convenience by Margaret Mayo

☣️ Jilted by Eve Vaughn

☣️ The Divorce by Nicole Strycharz

☣️ Say You Love Me by Sabre Rose

☣️ Four Years Later by Emma Doherty

☣️ The Casanova T.L. Swan

☣️ To Catch a Countess by Patricia Grasso

☣️ Love Me Still by Maya Banks

☣️ Guilty Minds by Ariana Cane

☣️ Revenge Cake by Skyler Mason

☣️ The Illusion of Us by Krista Rica Lastella

☣ Twisted Hate by Ana Huang

☣️ Love's Tender Fury by Jennifer Wilde/T.E. Huff

☣️ All That Glitters by Linda Howard

☣️ An Innocent Wife by Richa Resa

☣️ Best Served Cold by Maya Alden

☣️ Unforgivable by Joanna Chambers

☣️ Can't Let Go by A.P. Jensen

☣️ Faithless by Skyler Mason

☣️ Lemonade by Nina Pennacchi (This book's hero, Christopher, is a straight-up monster.)

[chasesvillainera]

What does Daniel think of Sebastian? p.s. will Daniel be introduced earlier on in this AU?

What is Sebastian’s relationship with everyone?

Do you have a plan for what bionic abilities he’s getting?

Oooh this is a good ask thank you!!

Daniel is peak “walked into an established group and has no clue what’s going on past the stories he heard” representation and I love him. When Leo is taking him around introducing him to the students (because we were robbed of Daniel + students content), he explains Seb to him as “yeah he tried to blow up the academy once. Now he just spends most of his time watching over the kids and making heart eyes at our brother.”

And Sebastian got a huge soft spot for the kiddos, and since by the point Daniel shows up he’s buds with Douglas, he vibes with Daniel pretty quick. He’s collecting little brothers.

I’ll probably bring Daniel in a little earlier in this AU, so I can have him join in the some of the hijinks

Now for: Seb’s Post-Attempted Rebellion Relationships

Bree—MLM/WLW solidarity. They’re buddies but also she is keeping an eye on him. The vibe is sort of “this is my best friend. No I wouldn’t trust him alone for 5 minutes. Yes this makes sense.”

Leo—Hear me out. They’re those friends who look at each other like “wow. What are these fools doing” when Davenport Shenanigans are happening. Also Seb saved Leo’s life that one time so in Leo’s head, it evens out with the attempted murder on Donald and they’re square.

Adam—Here’s the fun one. Adam fucking hates him so much. Doesn’t trust him at all and is very protective of Chase. Was the one begging Chase to just send him to prison and forget about him after the rebellion. Adam’s constantly trying to prove he’s still evil (picture Leo vs. Marcus but a lot more cringe bc it’s Adam). They share custody of Bob but Adam’s always worried Seb’s gonna kidnap Bob and kill him or something. Eventually Sebastian starts hating him back because what else is there to do?

Douglas—I’ve gone into detail about them in another post, but basically Douglas doesn’t trust him post-rebellion at first, but then they spend more time together and become Unethical Science buds while Chase is in the background begging them to wear safety goggles.

Tasha—I’m still working on this one but I know I’m gonna rewrite Forbidden Hero solely so I can have a “Tasha meets her stepson’s bf who tried to kill her husband not long ago” scene. She’s not that mad about it people try and kill Donald all the time.

Perry- Grudging respect

Also I’ve decided that he, Taylor, and Logan are siblings

[slimeince]

(for the ask game) Adam Davenport, Chase Davenport, Sebastian Krane?

Bionic House party probably. i love leo fr

If i could have any, it would be Daniels power replication, granted there were other bionic people i had access to

There probably isnt any scene that actually makes me cry, but when adam thought chase was dead in Bionic Action Hero and he got really upset i was very sad :( and the scene in sink or swim when leo was yelling at chase to get him out of control of the triton app… </3

[randomstrom]

Oh!!!! I love this idea and I kinda want to run with it:

What if there are three og Davenport siblings: Donald, Delilah, and Douglas

All three of them start Davenport Industries with Donald and Douglas as the inventors and Delilah is the business women, hard of the company. Prior to the business becoming popular and freeing into the company it becomes, Delilah dies somehow. (I like the thought of some from of organ cancer or organ failure).

When she dies the boys take it hard. Donald has a hard time grieving and facing his emotions so he’s solutions is to dive into work, getting a business degree, taking his sister’s role as head of the company, and freeing the company to be the business his sister dreamed it would be.

Douglas takes the death as bad as Donald does. But as he is grieving he slowly drives himself mad because prior to Delilah’s death Douglas was so, so close to figuring out a way to clone organs, something that could have saved his beloved sister’s life. Once he figures it out how to clone organs he takes things farther and starts to learn and experiment how to clone people in hope of getting his sister, or a version of her, back in his life.

Taking some of Delilah’s preserved DNA and a preciously used DNA sample from the organ cloning Douglas begins creates the rats (Adam, Bree, Chase, and Daniel). As he was creating the kids Douglas realized there was some issues with the cloning and that they wouldn’t be able to last long after being “birthed”. The thought of losing part of his sister again was too much for Douglas. So, despite the risk, he came up with the idea to use Donald’s bionic chips as a way to regulate their bodies.

After Chase was “born” Donald finds out about the kids and losses it on Douglas. Donald understood the pain Douglas was feeling but he also understood that what Douglas was doing was unethical, wrong, and would have pissed off Delilah. So Donald did what he thought was best: take the kids away/put them somewhere else and kick Douglas out of the company to prevent more “creations”. Donald never found out about Daniel, Douglas believes Donnie “got rid” of the kids and in hopes to save not only his project but the last bit of his sister he takes Daniel and puts him somewhere far away from Donald (foster/adoptive home, maybe on of Delilah’s exs).

This bit overlaps with a personal hc of mine: Donald is the one that wants to use the children as bio weapons/soldiers. So I think that after he takes the kids he tries to find a place for the kids that could benefit as well as train the kids to use their abilities for “good”. He keeps trying to justify selling the kids because: he doesn’t have time to raise them since he is filling his and Delilah’s roles in the company, others with better able to train them better, be able to give the kids the attention them need, be able to get them medical attention without ending up in jail, etc. But when it came time to sell the kids Donald couldn’t do it, looking at the kids and only being able to see the younger versions of him, Delilah, and Douglas. (In reference to something @tabl3 said “That's why Donald avoids Bree the most and is closer to his sons. Because she reminds him of their sister” maybe Bree is identical to Delilah and the boys find it hard to look at her without remembering all the fun times with her: pulling pranks, surviving childhood/fighting their parents/awkward-homophobia family dinners together, creating their company together, etc.)

So he ends up keeping them, training them to be heroes, and never letting them leave in fear of not only them being found out but fear of losing part of Delilah and Douglas (who is believed to be dead) again.

When Douglas comes back into their lives they both run with the fake story that Douglas wanted to sell them so that the kids didn’t hate Donald for what he almost did, preventing them from losing that only parent they known about.

Okay, look, I know that the Davenport Industries logo is probably supposed to represent Adam, Bree and Chase.... BUT!

Considering the fact that Douglas also started up the company, what if they have a third sibling? And there could be any story behind it! They could've cut them out of the company for whatever reason, the sib could've left the company, or maybe it's just a way of respecting a deceased sibling; maybe even a miscarriage.

Wouldn't that be cool????

[alliumduo]

marcus davenport - your father is only your father until one of you forgets

rät (penelope scott) // bionic showdown part 2 (lab rats) // the beast of beacon hills (teen wolf) // an oresteia (anne carson) // bionic action hero part 1 (lab rats) // rät (penelope scott) // lost boy (ryan scott oliver) // the vanishing part 1 (lab rats) // the beast of beacon hills (teen wolf) // the vanishing part 1 (lab rats) // moment of truth (she-ra and the princesses of power) // the vanishing part 2 (lab rats) // let your father die energy drink (daniel lavery and cecilia corrigan) // the vanishing part 2 (lab rats) // monet issues (chase petra) // the vanishing part 2 (lab rats) // the last day of summer (the lightning thief) // someday i’ll love ocean vuong (ocean vuong)

[silvershewolf247]

I've been thinking of a rewritten version of The Vanishing, here are some notable differences

- Daniel doesn't exist, no offense to him, he's just not needed

- The story takes place during Adam, Bree and Leo's graduation

- Chase graduated a year early, so he agrees to watch over the academy and use a Webcam and his bionics to check in during Brees Valedictorian speech and the calling of the names

- Tasha and Douglas cheer very loudly despite repeated reminders to hold all applause to the end

- When Leo's name is called, it's a big reveal that he had his last name changed to Davenport-Dooley, it's very touching for Donald

- After Leo's name is called, Chase checks out and realizes the students are missing

- Chase calls Donald, who steps out and talks to him, until the call ends abruptly.

- The rest of the team go back to the academy and discover the video, but instead of Daniel, it's Chase

- Things are relatively the same except Marcus is imitating Chase.

- Instead of bringing out one kid, they sit Douglas and Donald in front of the room with the bionic kids

- Marcus is going to kill them, but Douglas somehow gets out of the restraints. And screams that he's sorry

- "I wasn't a good father to you, I cared about you, and I'll die on that hill, but I wasn't a good father, you deserved better, like all of my kids, you deserved better. You won't get that working with Giselle she won't help you, she won't save you, she's just going to use you and throw you away. If you don't want to give me the chance, I understand. If you need revenge, I understand. But I'm the one who hurt you, I'm the reason you're in pain. So kill me instead. If this is what you need to live a life, kill me instead"

- Cue the kids telling him not to

-"Douglas no..."

-"Don't do this"

-"Uncle Dad, don't"

- Marcus throws Douglas into a hall and then into another room

- Giselle closes the door to the hall when the Lab Rats try to follow

- The bionic kids scatter and the Lab Rats fight Giselle

- Chase plans it out, Adam distracts her, Chase swipes her whip, Bree takes her down, Giselle is arrested

- Just as Marcus is about to finish Douglas, Leo blasts him, breaking in through the vent

- Leo and Marcus fight, Leo is knocked to the ground

- Marcus: "Say goodbye brat"

- Leo notices an electric panel and uses his bionic leg to push him back

-"Goodbye Brat" Leo melts him with his arm

- Meanwhile, the kids are on the other side trying to break down the door, begging for it to be opened, general sad Lab Rats fake out death stuff

- The door opens, they see Douglas and Leo alright, group hug, very sweet

- Eventually the kids walk out, and Douglas leans down into the puddle of molten metal and fishes out a microchip

-"Don't worry son, everything's alright. Daddy's gotcha"

- It's revealed to the lab rats that while they dont have the blueprints for the rest of the bionic kids, they can still rebuild Adam, Bree and Chase's chips, making them the only bionic heroes again.

[lacependragon]

[picture ID: two stacks of library books in a living room. The titles are listed after the ID as part of the post]

My current books out from the library. In order, left stack to right stack:

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

The Tiger Flu by Larissa Lai

Torn by Rowena Miller

Queen of the Tiles by Hanna Alkaf

A Conspiracy of Truths by Alex Rowland

Redefining Realness by Janet Mock

The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd

Survival of the Friendliest by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods

We Could Be Heroes by Mike Chen

Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic by Paul Conti

Bearing the Unbearable by Joanne Cacciatore

The Blood Trials by N. E. Davenport

Confessions of the Fox by Jordy Rosenberg

Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia

Tired as F*ck by Caroline Dooner

A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

Age of Ash by Daniel Abraham

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury

Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse

Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard

The Newish Jewish Encyclopedia by Stephania Butnick, Liel Leibovitz, and Mark Oppenheimer

Everything I've started is v good!

[texanmarcusdavenport]

Personally, I'm partial to Triton. Partly bc I like the idea of Marcus having a lazer trident (like Chase's lazer bo and Sebastian's lazer bident), but also bc I think it's the sort of thing that Marcus would do to freak out Douglas.

I mean, imagine. Months after Krane's army is defeated, a villain suddenly crops up by the name of Triton. It must be a coincidence--but the more eyewitness accounts he hears, the more the similarities begin to creep him out. A glowing green trident, like the one he gave to Marcus, but Marcus has been dead for over a year, so surely...?

But really, it depends on the AU. For example, in my AU where Marcus and Daniel are adopted by Megahertz, they go by Millihertz and Decahertz (at least at first).

Serious question: what do yall think Marcus' villain name would be?

[tangled-encanto]

You

Summery:

Kaz can’t stop thinking of Chase

Kaz never really thought about the bionic super humans when the world found out they existed. After working with superheroes for so long, hearing about new ones was cool, but there was a new one every few months or so. Besides, he was doing surgery when Jordan texted him, so he was a little preoccupied.

The bionic people didn’t really catch his attention again until Jordan told him about the bionic academy built by Donald Davenport. He read up on it a little before deciding to sneak Oliver and himself over. That’s when he saw the bionic people for the first time. That was the first time any bionic hero had got his attention. Adam was the first one he met, before meeting Bree, Chase, and Leo.

Later, Chase claimed most of his attention when the Incapacitator him. That was the first time his attention was brought to a particular bionic hero. But he still didn’t think much of it. Just another patient to take care of and another villain to defeat. Chase and the others were forgotten after a few days

It wasn’t until Mighty Med was destroyed that Kaz really noticed the bionic heroes. Apparently Oliver still had contact with Mr. Davenport, and they made plans to create an elite force. Chase and Bree came out onto the balcony and- something about Chase was different. Kaz wasn’t sure what, but he seemed different.

Now Chase was always on his mind. Kaz wasn’t sure if was because the bionic boy had changed, or because he was now living with him. But Bree and Skylar were never really on his mind, other than when he was speaking to or of them. But Chase. Chase often came into his mind unprompted. He and Oliver went to go watch the new Tecton movie, and he would imagine himself as Tecton (like he always did,) but this time, when Tecton’s girlfriend came on screen, she became Chase instead of anyone else.

About a week later the discussion of “relationships” came up. Skylar had only been in 2, and Bree had a been in few, with her brothers each stealing one of her boyfriends at one point, and Oliver hadn’t been in any. Kaz was barely listening to any of them, but he was listening quite intently to Chase’s stories.

Chase first talked about Danielle, the first girl to ever show interest in him. But they didn’t last long. After that, it was disaster after disaster. Sabrina, Jake Chambers, Sebastian. Chase said the name with so much resentment in his voice. Kaz wanted nothing more than to give him a hug and comfort him, telling him that he was okay now, and that Kaz was here for him.

Now it was Kaz’s turn. He told them about Stephanie, Spark, and Experion. While he talked about them, he noticed Chase’s face soften. Especially while talking about Experion. Probably because it was so similar to what had happened with Sebastian.

Kaz couldn’t sleep. He stood out on the penthouse balcony looking out at the city, with one thing on his mind. Chase. His face, his voice, the way he smiles gets all giddy when he’s excited about something. Despite how insufferable the guy can be, he was still...

“Can’t sleep?” A voice rang from behind Kaz. He hadn’t heard the door open. Kaz turned to see who it was. Speak of the devil. “I could ask you the same thing,” Kaz responded to the bionic boy.

“I... I’m sorry about Experion. I know what it’s like to have someone close like that betray you,” Chase said, leaning on the railing next to Kaz. “Yeah, it’s kinda sucks. I’m sorry about Sebastian,” Kaz replied. “Yeah,” is all Chase says. But Kaz noticed Chase’s sort of shifty behaviour.

“Something bugging you?” Chase sighed. “It’s just... you said you dated Spark after Experion hurt you. I haven’t dated anyone since Sebastian. Why didn’t Experion stop you from dating again?” His voice was quiet.

Kaz glanced over at the bionic hero. He looked defeated. Like he was facing the same heartbreak he had when he found out Sebastian had been using him. Kaz moved closer so their arms were touching to try to give some comfort.

“He did hurt me. It really hurt when I found out he was using me, but I realized A, he wasn’t the one, and 2, one day I would find someone better,” he said. Kaz found himself wanting to say, “and I found you,” but he bit his tongue for the time being.

Chase laughed. It was more of a scoff or a chuckle, but he laughed. It was adorable. “So all I need to do is remember that there’s someone way better out there. For me?” He asked. Kaz nodded. “Yeah pretty much.”

After a moment of silence, Kaz slowly felt as Chase grabbed hand and simply held it. They sat like that for a moment before Chase spoke up again. “Well, I think I may have found them.” Kaz, being the teasing jerk he is said, “Who?” He couldn’t hide the giant smile on his face though, especially when Chase responded. “You.”

AN- I love the idea of Kaz with Experion experiencing the same thing Chase did with Sebastian

I have no idea what this was. This was just a random Drabble that took me a few days to write

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🌈 Queer Books Coming Out in June 2024

🌈 Good morning, my bookish bats, and happy Pride Month!! Struggling to keep up with all the amazing queer books coming out this month? Here are a FEW of the stunning, diverse queer books you can add to your TBR before the year is over. Remember to #readqueerallyear! Happy reading!

[ Release dates may have changed. ]

❤️ The Shadow of Summer - Marlon Yelich 🧡 Of Stardust - (ed) Avrah C. Baren 💛 The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye - Briony Cameron 💚 Triple Sec - T.J. Alexander 💙 Same Difference - E.J. Copperman 💜 The Pull of the Tide - Various ❤️ The Misadventures of Getting Lainey a Date - Eija Jimenez 🧡 Surface Pressure - Adrian J. Smith & Neen Cohen 💛 Mirrored Heavens - Rebecca Roanhorse 💙 The Fire Within Them - Matthew Ward 💜 One and Done - Frederick Smith 🌈 Digging for Destiny - Jenna Jarvis

❤️ She Who Brought the Storm - Vaela Denarr & Micah Iannandrea 🧡 Tristan and Lancelot: A Tale of Two Knights - James Persichetti & L.S. Biehler 💛 London on My Mind - Clara Alves (translated by Nina Perrotta) 💚 The Deep Dark - Molly Knox Ostertag 💙 Furious - Jamie Pacton & Rebecca Podos 💜 Gay the Pray Away - Natalie Naudus ❤️ Such A Small World - Jordan Clayden-Lewis 🧡 Make It Count: My Fight to Become the First Transgender Olympic Runner - CeCé Telfer 💛 Cicada Summer - Erica McKeen 💙 We Used to Live Here - Marcus Kliewer 💜 Dandelion - Merlina Garance 🌈 The Curse of the Goddess - C.C. González

❤️ The Schoolmaster - Jessica Tvordi 🧡 Cigarette Lemonade - Connor de Bruler 💛 Coil of Boughs - Penny Moss 💚 Ballad for Jasmine Town - Molly Ringle 💙 Asking for a Friend - Ronnie Riley 💜 Pleasure Principle - Madeleine Cravens ❤️ Perfect Revenge - Jessica Burkhart 🧡 Lockjaw - Matteo L. Cerilli 💛 Markless - C.G. Malburi 💙 Queer Art - Gemma Rolls-Bentley 💜 Morally Straight - Mike De Socio 🌈 Our Bodies Electric - Zackary Vernon

❤️ Love Is All - Various 🧡 Becoming Ted - Matt Cain 💛 Annie LeBlanc Is Not Dead Yet - Molly Morris 💚 Dear Cisgender People: A Guide to Trans Allyship and Empathy - Kenny Ethan Jones 💙 Pole Position - Rebecca J. Caffery 💜 Something to be Proud Of - Anna Zoe Quirke ❤️ Hot Hires - Nan Campbell, Alaina Erdell, Jesse J. Thoma 🧡 Lord of the Empty Isles - Jules Arbeaux 💛 Kissing Girls on Shabbat - Sara Glass 💙 When You Smile - Melissa Brayden 💜 We Could Be Heroes - Philip Ellis 🌈 But How Are You, Really - Ella Dawson

❤️ A Bluestocking's Guide to Decadence - Jess Everlee 🧡 Take All of Us - Natalie Leif 💛 One Killer Problem - Justine Pucella Winans 💚 Why Are People Into That? - Tina Horn 💙 Free to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity - Jack Turban 💜 Lady Eve's Last Con - Rebecca Fraimow ❤️ Sea of Broken Glass - Jenna Pine 🧡 Rapunzella, Or, Don't Touch My Hair - Ella McLeod 💛 Wolfpitch - Balazs Lorinczi 💙 Looking for a Sign - Susie Dumond 💜 Director's Cut - Carlyn Greenwald 🌈 Wish You Weren't Here - Erin Baldwin

❤️ Act Two - Rochelle Wolf 🧡 Unexploded Remnants - Elaine Gallagher 💛 The Stars Want Blood - Morgan Lawson 💚 Shadows Dark and Deadly - Andrea Marie Johnson 💙 Design of Darkness - R.D. Pires 💜 Two Sides to Every Murder - Danielle Valentine ❤️ Meet Me in the Sky - Jeffrey K. Davenport 🧡 A Shore Thing - Joanna Lowell 💛 The Lions' Den - Iris Mwanza 💙 Under the Dragon Moon - Mawce Hanlin 💜 A Sea of Wolves - Sarah Street 🌈 Saints of Storm and Sorrow - Gabriella Buba

❤️ Private Rites - Julia Armfield 🧡 Everyone I Kissed Since You Got Famous - Mae Marvel 💛 The Stars Too Fondly - Emily Hamilton 💚 Keeping Carmen Ruiz - Alyson Root 💙 Cuckoo - Gretchen Felker-Martin 💜 Heartwaves - Anita Kelly ❤️ Bound to the Wild Fae - Tavia Lark 🧡 Four Squares - Bobby Finger 💛 The Ghost of Us - James L. Sutter 💙 Poison in Their Hearts - Laura Sebastian 💜 Puppy Love - Elle Sprinkle 🌈 Hot Summer - Elle Everhart

❤️ Liddy-Jean Marketing Queen and the Matchmaking Scheme - Mari SanGiovanni 🧡 All Friends Are Necessary - Tomas Moniz 💛 Six of Sorrow - Amanda Linsmeier 💚 Shanghai Murder - Jessie Chandler 💙 PROUD - Anthology 💜 Little Rot - Akwaeke Emezi ❤️ Fling - Deja Elise 🧡 Too Many Stars to Count - Frances M. Thompson 💛 Rakesfall - Vajra Chandrasekera 💙 The Unrelenting Earth - Kritika H. Rao 💜 Freakslaw - Jane Flett 🌈 Please Stop Trying to Leave Me - Alana Saab

❤️ A Sense of Shifting - Coco Romack, Yael Malka 🧡 Moonstorm - Yoon Ha Lee 💛 Now, Conjurers - Freddie Kölsch 💚 Hide No More - Rita Potter 💙 Running Close to the Wind - Alexandra Rowland 💜 The Afterlife of Mal Caldera - Nadi Reed Perez ❤️ Her, Him & I - Christian Weissmann 🧡 The Sons of El Rey - Alex Espinoza 💛 Show Me Your Teeth - Amy Marsden 💙 Defeating Demons and Breaking Up With My Boyfriend - Dylan James 💜 For Real - Alexis Hall 🌈 The Clarity of Light - Jade Church